Here, find a curated list of the best food and drink events in Santa Cruz County for the coming week. At the top, I share my picks of unmissable local happenings.
Head to Humble Sea Brewing’s beer garden on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf on Saturday for the fourth annual Ales for Whales. Expect craft beer, food from local food trucks, live music and local vendors, as well as a raffle and fun activities. Hosted with California Ocean Alliance, all of the proceeds from this event go toward scholarships for high school students to participate in the nonprofit’s Marine Mammal Scientist in Training Program. Tickets are $15.
Now in its 20th year, Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza will celebrate the culture of the Oaxacan state of Mexico with a community festival at the Branciforte Small Schools campus on Sunday. Cocineros (chefs) from Oaxaca will sell traditional foods and beverages, while Indigenous dance groups provide entertainment, along with live music. Admission is $10, and free for children 5 and under.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, April 24-May 1
Here are some food and drink events you may be interested in soon:
Friday, April 25
- Food Truck Friday – April Kickoff | 4:30 p.m. @ Skypark
- LiDO Pizza Pop-Up | 5 p.m. @ Madson Wines
Saturday, April 26
- Breathe, Bloom & Be | 9:30 a.m. @ Pie Ranch | $130
- Farm Discovery’s Spring Picnic | 11 a.m. @ Live Earth Farm | $20
- The Perfect Pair – A Cabrillo Culinary and Wine Showcase | Noon @ Sesnon House | $40-$85
- Pleasure Point Business Association Spring Sip & Stroll | 1 p.m. @ 3811 Portola Dr. | $42.39
- Meet Me at the New Downtown Library Festival! | 1 p.m. @ Cedar Street & Lincoln Street
- Ales for Whales | 2 p.m. @ Humble Sea Beer Garden on the Wharf | $15
Sunday, Apr. 27
- ¡Vive Oaxaca! Guelaguetza 20th Anniversary | 10 a.m. @ Branciforte Small Schools Campus | $10
- Teen Kitchen Project: Tea and Togetherness | 11 a.m. @ La Selva Beach Clubhouse | $75
- Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Winemakers Dinner | 5:30 p.m. @ Persephone | $180
- Ben Lomond Village Alliance Supper Club Community Potluck | 6 p.m. @ 9400 Highway 9
Monday, April 28
- Monday Happy Hours | 3 p.m. @ Aptos Vineyard
- Shaken, Not Stirred: Cocktail Class with Lindsay Eshleman | 5:30 p.m. @ Venus Spirits Tasting Room | $65
Tuesday, April 29
- Taco & Trivia Tuesday | 7 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill
Wednesday, April 30
- Downtown Santa Cruz farmers market | 1 p.m. @ Cedar Street & Lincoln Street
- Benanti Cru Night at La Posta | 5 p.m. @ La Posta